“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8 NIV

Look at all the trees growing by the creek. Can you see the roots that are reaching into the water?

Jeremiah was a prophet in the Old Testament; he spoke God’s words to the people of his time. This verse gives us all a promise from God. It says that we will be blessed if we trust in the Lord and have confidence in Him. So, if I trust God to be with me and to help me, then God will do good things for me. But this is a promise for you, too, when you trust God.

I love the image (picture) that Jeremiah has written to describe this relationship with God. We are like the tree and God is like the stream of water. If we are near to God (the stream) and spread our roots toward God, He will give us all that we need to live (blessings). Even when troubles come, and Jesus tells us that in this life we will have troubles, God is close and will provide for us and care for us.

The picture above is of a tree near one of our creeks. See the roots stretching out on all sides trying to find the stream? Two of these roots are growing toward the stream. I like to call this one the “dancing tree” because it looks like it’s twirling. Even when it is dry, the tree leaves stay green. Also, there are black walnut and persimmon trees here that produce fruit when others don’t.

God’s Promise to Me!

If I trust God to take care of me in good times and in bad,

God will bless me with good things, like a great mom and dad.

If I trust God to care for me when I’m afraid in my bed at night,

God will bless me with His strength and comfort and light.

If I trust God to be with me even when I’m feeling lonely,

God will bless me with His love, He’s the one and only!

This week try to draw a picture of Jeremiah’s image of your relationship with God. Draw yourself as a tree next to your God, the stream. Try to draw your roots and leaves that stay green and the fruit you produce. Share the picture with your parents and ask them to share a time when they trusted God and He blessed them.

This tree is right on the creek bank. Do you think something lives in that hole between the roots?

Blessings as we all grow strong and confident in our trust of the Lord!